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General California Registration Help

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General California Registration Help

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Richenrygarcia

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Hey all,

I know this a long shot, but I'm trying to find someone who has recently imported and registered their 500 in California. My car recently arrived in San Diego off the boat from Italy, and I'm going to attempt the arduous DMV registration and titling process this week.

The problem is that I can't seem to find a consistent "how to" guide for getting this process done. I know I need to take the car to the DMV offices, but have also read I might need to take it to the California Highway Patrol for VIN verification. I'm slightly confused.

Can anyone provide any tips on successfully registering my car in California?
 
Hey there! I'm in San Diego as well and have a 58 500N. Cool to hear you just imported yours. So both things you're hearing is right. You'll need proper importation documents through customs, bill of sale and/or proof of ownership. The majority of the time you can just take the car up to the drive up area at the DMV and they have people that do VIN Verifications there for you. They can do almost anything. In some odd circumstances, they'll make you go to the CHP to have the vin verification. This is a bit more difficult as they require appointments and are hard to get a hold of.


Once you do that, you should be able to get it registered relatively easy. I think the biggest part if having it clear customs. Happy to help if you need further!

Chase
 
ChiapC,

Thanks for the info. I'm just going to bite the bullet and wait in line at my local DMV. I'm hoping for the best, but planning for the worst of California bureaucracy.

1958 500N? That's a cool car!!!

ChiapC said:
Hey there! I'm in San Diego as well and have a 58 500N. Cool to hear you just imported yours. So both things you're hearing is right. You'll need proper importation documents through customs, bill of sale and/or proof of ownership. The majority of the time you can just take the car up to the drive up area at the DMV and they have people that do VIN Verifications there for you. They can do almost anything. In some odd circumstances, they'll make you go to the CHP to have the vin verification. This is a bit more difficult as they require appointments and are hard to get a hold of.


Once you do that, you should be able to get it registered relatively easy. I think the biggest part if having it clear customs. Happy to help if you need further!

Chase
Click to expand...
 
If it's anything like my experience when I registered Martina in AZ, it will come down to finding someone who is familiar with the process. I had all my paperwork, but the clerk didn't know how to process such a registration. After lots of back and forth, they found a supervisor who could give guidance and approval.

Good luck!
 
Richenrygarcia said:
ChiapC,

Thanks for the info. I'm just going to bite the bullet and wait in line at my local DMV. I'm hoping for the best, but planning for the worst of California bureaucracy.

1958 500N? That's a cool car!!!
Click to expand...

Yessir! Good luck to ya! Let us know if you need anything! I’ve attached a few pics of my car! Though I’m STILL working on rebuilding the engine! These 3 year only cars are difficult!
 

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So I re-read the fine print regarding California registration. Apparently the law changed in the last few years, since I've owned the car overseas in Italy. If a vehicle is 1968 or newer, it must show proof of meeting California emissions standards, or be brought up to California emission standards prior to being registered. My 500L is a 1970 so this rule applies to me. Neither of these options are reasonable attainable.

Currently, I'm looking at other options like registering in another state (which could be difficult) and maybe even selling. This is not how I envisioned importing my 500 into the U.S.!!!
 
Richenrygarcia said:
So I re-read the fine print regarding California registration. Apparently the law changed in the last few years, since I've owned the car overseas in Italy. If a vehicle is 1968 or newer, it must show proof of meeting California emissions standards, or be brought up to California emission standards prior to being registered. My 500L is a 1970 so this rule applies to me. Neither of these options are reasonable attainable.

Currently, I'm looking at other options like registering in another state (which could be difficult) and maybe even selling. This is not how I envisioned importing my 500 into the U.S.!!!
Click to expand...

You could always set up an LLC in Montana and register it there... like a bunch of supercar owners do as a tax dodge. Or call up EV West and see what they want for an EV conversion. I really want to do this, so if you go this route, please share details.
 
Last edited:
JumpJet said:
You could always set up an LLC in Montana and register it there... like a bunch of supercar owners do as a tax dodge. Or call up EV West and see what they want for an EV conversion. I really want to do this, so if you go this route, please share details.
Click to expand...

EV West does have interest in doing a Fiat. They tried to buy a Multipla a long time ago on Bring a Trailer. They're just in my back yard in San Marcos. Haven't been yet, but want to. Especially as I'm a split window VW bus guy as well and they do quite a few of those!
 
JumpJet said:
You could always set up an LLC in Montana and register it there... like a bunch of supercar owners do as a tax dodge. Or call up EV West and see what they want for an EV conversion. I really want to do this, so if you go this route, please share details.
Click to expand...

These both sound interesting. At first glance and after doing quick research, the Montana LLC sounds doable. I'll keep you posted!
 
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